The Legacy of Mary Ann Douglas Actlis Lavan

Mary Ann Douglas Actlis Lavan, 65 born December 29, 1957, to Laura Bell Woods Thierry and the late Willie Lee Douglas and raised by the late Rose and Earl Woods.

Mary was a long-life resident of the town in Elton, LA. Mary was married to the late Rev. Willie Actlis for 21+ years to this union Mary and Willie were blessed with five children. Then she was remarried to Willie Lavan Sr. for 17 years. And accepted 4 stepchildren as her own. Mary accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Holiness Unto The Lord under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph Thomas and Pastor Milton Thomas. Then later in life moving her membership to Faith Deliverance Temple under the leadership of Pastor Milton Clayton, Jr. Mary was a true believer of God. She was a woman of strength and determination. Mary believed in working and staying on the move "keeping the roads hot" and A True "Hustler."

Mary held a lot of jobs in her lifetime. She was a Seamstress, Crawfish Peeler, Catering with her cooking and baking skills to anyone that needed her services.  Mary started her own family business in her front yard selling snow cones, pies, boudin and pecan candy.  Then later taking the business to the main street in Elton, LA., then to Basile, LA where the business remains open and ran by her children.

Mary always had a song in her heart and a song for every occasion or situation.  She was also known for her lavishly stylish clothes, hats, jewelry and shoes.  Always getting compliments everywhere she went, and she loved going to garage sales and the jockey lot.  Mary made and had lots of friends from all over.

Mary leaves to cherish her memories, her mother Laura Bell Thierry, her children Philip L. Actlis (wife- Tomasina), Melissa Actlis, Rosanna Actlis, Roxana Actlis Gross, and Bridget Actlis (Felix).  Her sisters Thelma Rose Matthew (Charles), Retha Thierry Thomas (Roy), Angela Lee (Charles). Her brothers Clinton Thierry, Anthony Thierry and Earl Thierry (Samantha). Her stepchildren LaTissia Fredericks, Willie Lavan, Jr., Jermaine Lavan and Joshua Lavan. Her grandchildren; Philip Jr., Amber, Paige, Paisley, Danerian, Alana, JaMarques, Raychelle, Shona, Jh'Neiya, Quentin Jr., Alai'Jah, Khingston, Jaylen, Jh'Orden, Javion. Great-grandchildren; Leilani and Adonis, Godchild; Lisa Strahan, her nature babies; Sophie and Mango and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Willie Lee Douglas, Grandparents Rose and Earl Woods, Jessica Mae and Ollie Douglas. Children's father, Rev. Willie Actlis, her sister Emma Douglas and her brother, Steve Thierry; her sister in laws, brother in laws, mother and father in laws.

Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 am Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Faith Deliverance Temple, 4772 Powell Rd in Elton, LA 70532.  Pastor Milton Clayton, Jr. will officiate. Visitation will be in the church starting at 8 am until the time of celebration services.  Burial will follow in Eternal Rest Cemetery in Elton, LA.